Shannon O'Malley
Shannon O’Malley is a distinguished Social Impact Strategist and the founder of Shan& (shanand.com), where she has led transformative work since founding the firm in 2020. With 15 years of experience in the field and five years in her current role, Shannon partners with philanthropic, corporate, athletic, and entertainment organizations to advance purposeful initiatives and drive lasting change. Her work with clients such as Mercy Corps, Twist Bioscience, the Global Fund for Women, and Taking Ownership PDX highlights her ability to turn vision into impact through strategic storytelling and intentional collaboration.
A committed advocate for equity and community-driven change, Shannon is an Everyday Feminist Fellow with the Global Fund for Women. She has built her career by blending leadership, operational strategy, and partnership development, honed through prior roles with organizations including Brew Advisors and the Nike Foundation. Her work is defined by deep collaboration and measurable impact, with a focus on creating sustainable change for the communities she serves.
Shannon holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Hult International Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Business, and Political Science from the University of Arizona. Beyond her professional life, she is passionate about cooking, Pilates, running, and spending time with her family. Shannon also dedicates her time to volunteer leadership, serving as a Troop Leader for Girl Scouts of Greater New York and as a board member for Taking Ownership PDX, continuing to inspire change both professionally and personally.
• Hult International Business School - MA
• University of Arizona - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the power of community, the people, relationships, and networks that inspire growth, foster collaboration, and create lasting impact. For me, success is not measured solely by individual achievement but by the collective progress we make together. My work is rooted in connection: listening deeply to diverse perspectives, building trust, and cultivating partnerships that strengthen both people and purpose. Over the years, I have learned that meaningful change comes when we support one another, share resources, and leverage our unique strengths toward a common vision. Community is not just the foundation of my work; it is the heart of it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow my passion. When you align your work with what truly inspires and energizes you, it transforms your career into a purpose-driven journey. Passion fuels perseverance, sparks creativity, and sustains momentum even through challenges. For me, following my passion has meant building a career rooted in social impact, storytelling, and community — work that not only fulfills me personally but also creates meaningful change for others. It is this alignment between passion and purpose that continues to guide my professional path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the fear of not knowing what comes next. In a rapidly changing world, uncertainty can feel overwhelming, both for organizations and individuals striving to make an impact. Yet within that uncertainty lies a powerful opportunity — the chance to innovate, adapt, and redefine what’s possible. For those of us working in social impact and strategic storytelling, this moment invites us to lean into creativity, embrace change, and explore new ways to connect and drive meaningful progress. Turning uncertainty into opportunity is where true growth happens.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value I hold most important in both my work and personal life. It means staying true to my principles, being transparent in my actions, and honoring the trust of those I work with and serve. Integrity builds credibility, fosters authentic relationships, and creates a foundation for lasting impact. Whether leading projects, collaborating with partners, or engaging with my community, I strive to act with honesty, accountability, and consistency. For me, integrity is not just a value — it is the guiding force that shapes everything I do.
Locations
Shan&
Brooklyn, NY 11201